Rekey Locks and Master Rekey

If you want to replace locks in your home, it may be cheaper to have the locks rekeyed by a locksmith instead. Rekeying is when the pins within the lock cylinder are replaced to fit a new key; that way any of the old keys won’t open the lock, and your new key will.

Rekeying locks yourself is not recommended, as you may damage or compromise the security of your locks. Locksmiths are professionally trained to rekey locks, so you should contact your local locksmith to request rekeying.

Master Rekey

You can also have your locks rekeyed so that one master key can open multiple locks of your choosing. Master keying involves installing what’s known as a spacer pin, or master wafer, between the key pins and driving pins in your lock.

After you’ve had your locks master rekeyed, your new master key is then able to unlock all the locks rekeyed for the master key system. The other keys, which you don’t want to have as much access within the house – known as change keys – are then only able to open locks which have been specifically rekeyed for them.